US Bridges

KY-539 over Willow Creek

PoorPosted for load

Bracken County, Kentucky · 1.1 Mi. W. -Jct. Ky 19 · Structure no. 012B00023N

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete
Length
147 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
92
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

KY-539 over Willow Creek is a prestressed concrete box beam or girders - multiple carrying KY-539 over Willow Creek in Bracken County, Kentucky. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 years old, younger than the Kentucky average of 46.6 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 92 vehicles a day, projected to reach 92 by 2041. The structure is 147 ft (44.8 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesKY-539
CrossesWillow Creek
Location1.1 Mi. W. -Jct. Ky 19
RouteState Highway 539
CountyBracken County
StateKentucky
Coordinates38.58694, -84.175
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating30 US tons
Inventory rating18 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length147 ft (44.8 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.8 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.5 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic92 (2021)
Projected traffic92 by 2041
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$395,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was KY-539 over Willow Creek built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is KY-539 over Willow Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in December 2024.

How much traffic does KY-539 over Willow Creek carry?

About 92 vehicles per day (2021 count).

How long is KY-539 over Willow Creek?

The structure is 147 ft (44.8 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.8 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns KY-539 over Willow Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.